Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Well done! It’s exhilarating to own a home and not answer to a landlord. Still, homeownership presents lots of new responsibilities. For example, you are now responsible for keeping any pipes and plumbing fixtures in good working order.
The last thing you want is to be faced with a plumbing issue right after moving in, so it’s wise to confirm everything is ready to go before closing day. Consider these eight valuable plumbing tips every new homeowner should know.
1. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Once you find your dream home, it’s smart to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This can reveal previously hidden issues with the supply lines, fixtures, appliances and drains you might not have noticed. Poor water pressure or a slow toilet leak may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s best to take care of these problems before you move in.
2. Check for Pipe Insulation
Your pipes could freeze and burst if they’re exposed to cold temperatures. No new homeowner wants to deal with that, so take a look at all exposed pipes before moving in. If the pipes aren’t insulated, this inexpensive upgrade is a valuable preventive measure against frozen and burst pipes.
3. Find the Main Water Shutoff Valve
Turning off the water to your house can significantly reduce property damage if you encounter a major emergency like a burst pipe. But you must first know where the valve is located.
If your home has a basement or crawl space, the shutoff valve is most likely placed on a wall close to the front of the house. If the building is on a slab foundation, take a look in the garage or near the water heater.
Still no luck? The shutoff valve is occasionally located in a utility box buried around the street. Search for a round or rectangular metal cover by the grass or sidewalk. It might be labeled “water meter” to help you recognize it.
If you still can’t track down the primary water shutoff valve, call a plumber for help locating it before you have an emergency.
4. Find Individual Shutoff Valves
In addition to the main shutoff valve, most fixtures and appliances should have dedicated valves for the wall behind them. This enables you to turn off the water while working on repairs or to minimize damage during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the location of all plumbing valves whenever you buy a new house.
5. Recognize the Signs of a Plumbing Leak
Water damage is a common concern relating to plumbing leaks, but a leaky faucet can also drain your wallet. For example, just one drip each second wastes more than 1,600 gallons each year. To prevent this, watch for these signs of plumbing leaks in your new home:
- Dripping or bubbling sounds
- High water bills
- Changes in the water meter readings despite not using any water
- Standing water, wood rot or mold growth under your sinks
- Wobbly toilet
- Water stains on the ceilings and walls
- Lasting musty odors
6. Stock a Basic Plumbing Emergency Kit
Contrary to popular belief, chemical drain openers don’t belong in a plumbing emergency kit. These caustic cleaners can damage your pipes if used continuously. Plus, they only offer a temporary solution at best.
An effective alternative is to have non-chemical supplies on hand the next time you have a plumbing emergency. These include:
- Cup plunger for backed up sinks, tubs and showers
- Flange plunger for clogged toilets
- Hand-crank drain snake for minor blockages
- Adjustable wrench to remove the P-trap from under clogged sinks
- Utility bucket to catch water from a leaky pipe
- Plumber’s tape to fix leaky showerheads
- Duct tape to mitigate the flow of a plumbing leak until a plumber can help
7. Avoid Clogged Drains from Day One
Anything that flows down the drain besides water could cause a clog. Keep your drains running smoothly with these preventive tips:
- Put in mesh drain covers in bathroom sinks and showers
- Do not flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and a small amount of toilet paper
- Don't pour cooking oil down the kitchen sink
- Pour a large pot of near-boiling water into every drain each month
8. Keep a Plumber on Speed Dial
While our plumbing tips for new homeowners should keep many problems at bay, it’s still sensible to know a reliable plumber in town. For reliable, affordable work, there’s no better place to turn than All American Air Service Experts.
We have Experts across North America to serve customers from coast to coast. When you contact our insured plumbers for the job, you can rest easy that every repair and installation job is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact your local All American Air Service Experts office to request plumbing services with us today.